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LATEST UPDATE (08/02/2017): The Month End Summary Report for July 2017 has been posted in the Updates section. Over 117 Maps Released, 4-months ahead of schedule, Taverns & Storefronts collection completed, and more!

All of the digital maps make beautiful poster-size print maps scaled for use with tabletop miniatures. Check out this update for more info and a demo of a poster map!

Labels on the maps are language-ambiguous (numbers and single letters only), making the entire map collection useful no matter the native language of users.

The Big Book of Maps is a cartography collection of more than 160 full-color tabletop role-playing game maps that is being created by Justin Andrew Mason. These maps are being created on a twice-weekly basis throughout the creation phase of the project (April 2017 - March 2018).

Each map will be provided to those who pledge $20 (or more) in digital format (JPG) for integration into any tabletop RPG with alternate virtual tabletop (VTT) versions provided simultaneously with each map release.

Most maps will be geared towards a fantasy setting, though a few will likely have potential of crossing genres. The focus of this collection will be dungeon maps, but may include various subterranean complexes, crypts, tombs, castles, caverns, tunnels, mines, etc.

There are several rewards available with content to be delivered to backers at every pledge level!

By backer request, an “Icon Set License” reward has been added to the available pledge levels. This new $50 pledge level provides access to all the features of the $20 pledge level, but also grants the backer a non-exclusive (royalty-free) license (with modification rights) for one individual to use all of the 460+ map icons released by this project for professional commercial cartography projects (print, digital, and VTT). Please see the new pledge level details (to the right) for more information. Please, ask via message if you have any questions.

Note: The Publisher Stock Cartography License ($295) pledge level already includes a publisher-wide license for professional commercial use of both the maps as well as map icons.

Start benefiting from your pledge almost immediately! Rather than waiting until the entire project is completed to release content, all of the maps created for this collection will be released to backers who pledge $20 (or more) on a continuing basis via a planned schedule of two maps per week throughout the project creation phase.

The first of the maps will be provided to applicable backers starting the day after the campaign funds are collected. Future map releases will continue with twice-weekly updates throughout the creation phase until all the maps for the collection are completed.

Backers who pledge $20 (or more) will be provided with an URL and unique login information to a special website they can visit to access and download the most recently released maps and all previously released maps for this project.

Regular updates will be made both to the backer-only website as well as this campaign throughout the creation phase with ample opportunity for backer community input.

(Snapshot of Digital Map Distribution Tool)

For more information about digital downloads and the digital map distribution tool, check out this update. A video walkthrough of the completed beta version of the Digital Distribution Tool can be viewed in this update.

A finished 170+ page book including all of the non-VTT "GM" versions of the maps (the map versions which are numbered) will be provided as an indexed PDF to all backers who pledged at the $10 (or higher) pledge levels. The estimated PDF release date is around April 2018.

Backers at the $20 (or higher) pledge levels will also have the option to buy either hardcover or softcover print copies of the book at the price of production cost + shipping cost when the print version is released to the general public later in 2018. The estimated print release date is planned to be around April-June 2018. More info on pricing for print copies will be provided nearer to project completion.

Shipping Costs for Print Book Purchases:

The print versions of the Big Book of Maps are planned to be distributed as print-on-demand (POD) via DriveThruRPG.com. Domestic and international shipping charges will be handled on their end with your purchase of any print copy of the book.

Every digital map in the Big Book of Maps (for Tabletop Roleplaying Games) is created at 600 dpi resolution.

All of the digital maps scale up as crisp-and-clear print at poster size. This includes printing at the 1-inch scale popular for use with tabletop miniatures.

Who is Justin Andrew Mason? I am a professional tabletop role-playing game designer, ENnie Award-winning author (Adventureaweek.com Blog 2014), graphic designer, and professional cartographer (AAW MapMaster 2014 winner). Watch this project's intro video at the top of the page for a slideshow with examples of my cartography.

Backers at the $20 level (or higher) level will be provided digital access to both a VTT (Virtual Tabletop) and a non-VTT version of every map produced for this project via the weekly released maps website. A VTT map contains no scaling grid, room numbers, icons, or hidden room contents (such as secret doors). A non-VTT map includes all of these features. The final PDF and printed book will include only the non-VTT maps.

The purpose of the VTT version of every map is provide a convenient import to Virtual Tabletop software platforms. In addition to access to the twice-weekly released downloads, at the end of the creation phase of the project all backers at the $20 (or higher) level will be provided a link to download a package (ZIP) containing both versions of every map in digital (JPG) format.

Update: As a bonus stretch goal that was unlocked at $5k funding, there are two non-VTT versions available of every map in this project. The "GM" version which includes numbers and labels. And the "Player" version which does not include numbers or labels. All downloadable sample maps on this page have been updated to include all three versions of the digital map for reference.

Stretch Goals: For every 50 backers that pledge to this Kickstarter campaign, one full-page, full-color bonus map will be added to the collection. This even includes the $1 backer level count, so get your friends to back for a buck and get more maps into the Big Book of Maps! These bonus maps will be included in the final book and will be released via the backer-only website on a staggered schedule as time permits.

Please Note:Should this project result in a very large number of backers, the process of creating the bonus maps could delay the final release of the PDF and Print versions of the book. However, there will be no delay in the twice-weekly release schedule of digital maps to applicable backers.

In addition to the bonus map stretch goals based on the number of backers, an additional series of stretch goals based on overall amount pledged to the project can be unlocked.

Stretch Goals ($1k - $14k): When the project is funded, and for every $500 pledged beyond the project's $1,000 funding goal, a series of 10 all-new map icons will be unlocked for backers.

Bonus Stretch Goals: There will periodically be threshold-based bonus stretch goals that are in addition to the planned recurring stretch goals. This include special bonuses that are unlocked at the $5k, $10k, and $20 funding levels.

The icons will be released in themed packs as they are created, and made available to all backers via "backers only" updates here on Kickstarter as well as the Digital Distribution Tool.

All of these unlocked map icons will even be available to $1 backers -- so everyone who shows support for the project walks away with something worthwhile!

Note: Map Icons will be provided in digital (PNG) format with transparent backgrounds. This format makes placing the icons on a VTT map a seamless process.

Map icons are the various elements that can be placed onto a dungeon map via a virtual tabletop (VTT) platform or graphic editing software. This includes objects such as doors, treasure chests, furniture, traps, treasure, etc.

For the purpose of this project these map icons will be provided as PNG graphic files with transparent backgrounds (to allow easy import and placement via VTT software).

(Example of how map icons will be released in sets.)

The map icons will be released to all backers in themed sets as they are created. A “complete collection” of the map icons in a single download will also be made available for backers at the end of this project’s creation phase.

The map icons produced by this project are super-high 600 dpi resolution and especially created to properly accompany the matching high resolution digital maps offered. This means the map icons will also scale up to poster-map quality.

The planned release schedule for the map icon sets is once weekly starting the day the project funds clear. These sets will be made available to all backers via “backer-only” updates here on Kickstarter as well as being made available via the digital map distribution tool for backers who pledged $20 (or higher).

Each map set currently includes 10totally different map icons (not just color/texture variations). The number of icons in each set can be increased via unlocked stretch goals beginning at the $15k funding level.

At the end of each week during this kickstarter a new Featured Addition will be added to The Big Book of Maps (for Tabletop Roleplaying Games) project.

For more information about The Big Book of Maps (for Tabletop Roleplaying Games): Cartographer Toolkit, check out this update.

Want to further help this project and also get in on some great deals? There are a couple add-on options below. Increasing your pledge helps further this project's funding. All add-on packages will be delivered to participating backers as soon as funds are collected.

Made by this project's creator, The Dungeon Builder's Deck (published by AAW Games / Adventureaweek.com) is a collection of 114 double-sided full-color standard poker-sized cards - each printed with a different interconnecting geomorphic dungeon map. Get the PDF of this deck as an add-on by increasing your pledge by $7.00. The links to download this add-on will be provided to participating backers via e-mail once the project funds clear.

Made by this project's creator, The Perils of... VTT Map Bundle includes all three different map series: Dungeon Complex (geomorphic), Caverns (geomorphic), and Landmasses (overworld). Each series includes 24 themed maps (3072 x 3072 px) at 300 dpi high-resolution JPG format. Get this collection of VTT maps as an add-on by increasing your pledge by $7.00. The links to download this add-on will be provided to participating backers via e-mail once the project funds clear.

How do I increase my pledge for add-ons? Increasing your pledge is easy. All you have to do is click on the "Manage your pledge" button located at the top of this page. Then click on the "Change your pledge" button on the bottom of the next page. There you will be able to change your "Pledge Amount" and then click on the "Continue" button to confirm.

That's all that is needed at this time if you would like to add one of the add-on deals to your pledge. When the kickstarter has ended, there will be a backer survey sent out to everyone where you will be able to indicate which of the add-ons your increased pledge amount was intended for.

Risks and challenges

This project is relatively low risk as all backers at the $20 (or higher) levels will be receiving the content on a weekly basis as it is created.

While creating over 100 new full-color, high-resolution maps is a massive undertaking, I have ample experience with professionally providing quality cartography on a high-volume, high-demand deadline. Most recently a run of 60+ maps on a map-a-day schedule as a freelance cartographer for a publisher while simultaneously completing an order for 75 custom VTT maps for another publisher.

I am very comfortable with the workload and deadlines related to this Kickstarter.

As a contingency I have already started creating dozens of the maps that will be released as a part of this project. This advance creation process will continue throughout the Kickstarter campaign as well. This advanced stash of maps will help ensure that I can maintain pace for the twice weekly release schedule while giving me the option to release these already-created maps as needed to allow time off for any vacation, sick time, and emergencies throughout the year-long creation phase.

This is the first Kickstarter project that I have created myself. However, I have years of experience with designing or running successful Kickstarter projects for various publishers (including some of the most successful Kickstarter projects by AAW Games and Kobold Press). This isn't my first rodeo, and I have already learned many of the "difficult lessons" that many first time project creators face.

In comparison with some of the more complex Kickstarter projects I've assisted with, this project is very straight forward. I foresee no likely hurdles in providing backers with the completed product as promised.

However, as with any project in the making, there are inherent risks. As the sole producer of this material, if something where to happen to me that prevented continued content creation the project could become delayed. Even in that unlikely event, backers would still have full access to all of the content that was created for the project up to that point and a contingency is in place to release any pending and completed maps to backers should the gods choose to cast lightning to strike me down.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please drop me a message in the comments section for this project and I'll get an answer to you as soon as possible (as well as updating the FAQ here if deemed necessary).

Support this project

Select this reward

Pledge $1 or more
About $1.00

Keep Me Updated

Interested in the project, but not yet ready to back at a higher level? This pledge level will keep you in the loop with ongoing status updates during and after the project campaign. All backers at this level also get all unlocked stretch goal map icon packs. This pledge level does not provide access to any maps.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10 or more
About $10

PDF Only

Don’t need the VTT maps, but still want the Big Book of Maps? At this pledge level you get the maps compiled into the 100+ page PDF book when it is released in 2018. This level provides no access to weekly downloads of digital format maps. All backers at this level also get all unlocked stretch goal map icon packs.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

All Maps & PDF Book + Print @ Cost

You get full access to all of the maps (including VTT-ready versions) which will be released on a schedule of two maps per week via a backers-only website during the project creation phase. You also get all of the maps compiled into the 100+ page PDF book when it is released in 2018, and the option to buy the book in print (which will be available in paperback and hardback) at production cost + shipping cost when it is made available for purchase. All backers at this level also get all unlocked stretch goal map icon packs.

Note: Backers at this pledge level will be provided with an URL and unique login information after this campaign has concluded which they can use to access a website to download high-resolution VTT maps as they are released to backers.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Your Own Custom Map (Early Bird)

The cartographer will create one completely custom full-color, full-page (8.5" x 11") dungeon map to your specifications. These custom maps will also be included inside the PDF & print versions of the book. You also retain the non-exclusive rights to utilize the map created for you (royalty-free) in your own personal or professional projects. These custom maps will be created as time allows throughout the creation phase of the project and will be done in the order of first pledged. The cartographer reserves the right to refuse to make specific elements on any map (the map must be PG-13 and suitable for inclusion in this collection). Backers at this pledge level will receive their map in digital format (including VTT-ready version). This limited pledge level also includes everything provided by the $20 pledge level.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Icon Set License

This pledge level is intended for cartographers who would like permission to utilize the map icons released by this project to use in their own professional projects. Backers at this level are granted a non-exclusive (royalty-free) license (with modification rights) to use any of the map icons unlocked in this campaign for their own professional tabletop RPG maps (including print, digital, and VTT). That’s more than 250 map icons at less than 20-cents each. Resale of individual map icons to third parties and inclusion in other map icon graphic collections is prohibited. Releasing individual map icons as part of a specific VTT map or adventure is allowed. License will be issued for a single cartographer. If you have questions or concerns, please ask via message! This pledge level also includes everything provided by the $20 pledge level.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $80 or more
About $80

Your Own Custom Map

The cartographer will create one completely custom full-color, full-page (8.5" x 11") dungeon map to your specifications along with a special VTT version. These custom maps will also be included inside the PDF & print versions of the book. You also retain the non-exclusive rights to utilize the map created for you (royalty-free) in your own personal or professional projects. These custom maps will be created as time allows throughout the creation phase of the project and will be done in the order of first pledged. The cartographer reserves the right to refuse to make specific elements on any map (the map must be PG-13 and suitable for inclusion in this collection). Backers at this pledge level will receive their map in digital format (including VTT-ready version). This limited pledge level also includes everything provided by the $20 pledge level.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $295 or more
About $295

Stock Cartography License

This pledge level is intended for game publishers who would like permission to utilize the maps for their published products. Backers at this level are granted a non-exclusive (royalty-free) license (with modification rights) to use any of the maps contained in The Big Book of Maps (and map icons unlocked in this campaign) for their own professional tabletop RPG projects (both print and digital). That's more than 100 full-color high-resolution full-page (8.5" x 11") maps at less than $3 each. Resale of individual maps or icons to third parties and inclusion in other map or graphic collections is prohibited. License will be issued for a single publishing entity. If you have questions or concerns, please ask via message! This pledge level also includes everything provided by the $80 pledge level (including a custom map design). This license is only available via this pledge level on this project, and will not be offered anywhere else.